Light snow fell through the day today causing headaches for drivers and the few pedestrians who ventured out. Plows and road crews worked through the day clearing roads but commuters tonight face a lengthy drive home.
CDOT plows got down to bare pavement during the day and applied de-icer. But the roads are expected to ice up as the sun goes down and temperatures drop into the single digits.
CDOT spokeswoman Stacey Stegman said the major throughways are plowed well but the on & off ramps as well as sideroads could still present a challenge to drivers.
Two fatal accidents were blamed on the weather–one on Interstate 25 near Wellington and another in Aurora as a father lost his life driving his daughter to school. Numerous minor accidents have been reported throughout the metro area.
DIA received about six inches of snow and removal crews worked through the day on runways and Pena Boulevard, where driving conditions were reported to be slow but steady. Travelers should allow extra time getting to the airport.
Aspen received 2 feet of snow, Montrose 14 inches, Sedalia 12 inches and Ft. Collins 10 inches. Beaver Creek ski area west of Vail reported too much of a good thing and was forced to cancel practice runs for the World Cup Men’s downhill race. Race officials said the fresh snow could be dangerous for the high-speed training runs and poor visibility made it difficult for racers to stay on course.
Statewide, mountain snowpack averaged 92 percent of normal for this time of year. The Colorado Avalanche Center has issued warnings because the recent snow is light and fluffy, resting on denser, settled snow, which allows it to slide easily.
The forecast calls for a total of 8 inches of snow to fall in the metro area and foothills today and tonight. The storm is expected to be over by Thursday.
Temperatures tonight could dip below zero. Thursday will show a slight improvement.
